The Cannon Fodder Became the Empire's Beloved Omega - Chapter 16

The Gaia Empire must never fall into the hands of an Omega from some backwater region!

Yitu fumed inwardly, scheming about how to give the soon-to-arrive new heir a proper warning.

Being too obvious wouldn’t do, it could cost him his job. But if he was too subtle, what if the other party failed to grasp the pressures of being an heir and didn’t back down willingly?

After much deliberation, a brilliant idea suddenly struck him.

That’s it! Why not let the newcomer learn early on about the palace’s covert struggles and the treacherous nature of its people?

Throughout history, whenever the position of heir was involved, all sorts of vicious tactics had emerged. This country bumpkin from a remote star system surely wouldn’t be able to endure the constant targeting. It wouldn’t be long before he packed his bags and went home in tears!

After all, even many born into royal families struggled to withstand those dirty “little tricks.”

Having made up his mind, Yitu beckoned to his trusted aide, calling him over.

The aide’s name was Zepu. Seeing Yitu summon him, he scurried over eagerly. “Lord Yitu, what can I do for you?”

“I have a plan and need your help,” Yitu said. “If it goes smoothly, I’ll pull some strings for that position you’ve been eyeing.”

Zepu’s eyes lit up, and he fawned, “No problem at all! Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do my utmost to assist!”

Yitu cleared his throat softly, gestured for Zepu to come closer, and whispered his plan into his ear.

Zepu listened, nodding repeatedly as an expression of sudden understanding dawned on his face.

As the two were murmuring in the corner, a Beta maid suddenly approached swiftly from a distance.

Holding a large pink curtain, she cheerfully addressed them, “Lord Yitu, look! Do you think His Highness Yu will like such a soft pink curtain? I’ve heard Omegas really adore this color!”

Yitu frowned and scolded, “Can’t you see we’re discussing important matters? Handle such trivial things yourself!”

“Oh!” The Beta maid left dejectedly.

Yitu glared angrily at her retreating figure, thinking of the former heir who had just been demoted to second in line, and grew even more displeased.

He waved Zepu away, signaling for him to leave quickly. Then, after taking a headcount, he led the attendants to the spaceport to receive the newcomer.

The welcome was not a grand affair.

A massive silver spacecraft entered the spaceport, its hatch slowly opening before the crowd. Soon, the group that had arrived on the ship began to emerge one by one from the hatch.

Yitu immediately tensed up, his expression stern as he fixed his gaze on the figures appearing from the hatch.

Familiar faces passed before his eyes until, finally, he spotted a completely unfamiliar one.

The person’s appearance hovered between that of a youth and a young man, with fine, short hair that fell to his ears. He had beautiful, gem-like eyes, long eyelashes, fair skin, and delicate features. Even among the countless handsome men and beautiful women of the capital planet, his looks were first-rate.

Most importantly, his eyes seemed to radiate a dazzling, fervent light that was utterly captivating.

Their eyes met for a moment. Then, Itu saw the exceptionally handsome young man give him a gentle, crescent-eyed smile, with shallow dimples appearing on his cheeks.

What was so likable about a country bumpkin Omega who rose to prominence through sheer dumb luck? He absolutely despised those self-righteous and pretentious Omegas, so this new heir was especially utterly impossible to resist.

Itu felt as if he had been struck instantly.

His aging heart was deeply touched. Itu kept a stern face, trying not to show any overly strange expressions, but his mind was in turmoil:

No!

How could he be so fickle!

Just before coming here, he had sworn to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to His Highness Gu Yu, the former heir! How could he switch sides so quickly?!

This was such a betrayal of His Highness Gu Yu!

Itu was drowning in self-reproach when, immediately afterward, he saw Gu Yu, who had followed the other out, suddenly stop.

Standing beside the Omega, Gu Yu reached out and gently smoothed a stray strand of hair for him. The gesture earned him a grateful smile from the Omega, causing Gu Yu to press his lips together.

A faint blush was visible at the tips of his ears. Itu: “…”

Why did these two seem to be on such good terms?

Instantly, Itu felt the heart he had just forcibly calmed begin to wage an intense internal battle again.

It was as if two factions were warring in his mind: one screaming over how adorable this new heir was, while the other sternly accused him of disloyalty.

Itu coughed and resumed his stern, aloof demeanor. “Welcome to the Capital Star, Your Excellency Yu Ruan.”

The Omega, whose name had been called, blinked and gave him a friendly smile. “Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m truly sorry to trouble you all so late at night.”

Itu: “…” He’s so polite.

All the sharp, critical thoughts that had nearly filled his mind just moments ago evaporated instantly, vanishing without a trace.

Itu silently pressed a hand to his heart and said to the person before him, “You’re too kind. This is our duty.”

The journey had actually been quite smooth.

Yu Ruan was in a good mood: the colleagues he would be working closely with in the future seemed very easy to get along with. The Capital Star was incredibly vibrant and far more luxurious than his previous living environment.

More importantly, the elderly Beta who had come to greet them said to be the head steward of the palace where he would reside seemed exceptionally kind and amiable.

Even though the man had worn a stern expression upon their meeting, Yu Ruan felt that he likely meant no ill will toward him.

They traveled by vehicle to Atlan Palace. The others in their party gradually dispersed, and Xie Zhi left a kiss on Yu Ruan’s fingertip, gazing at him intently. “If you encounter any problems, please be sure to contact me immediately.”

Yu Ruan nodded.

He turned to the elderly Beta beside him, his eyes sparkling brightly. “I believe Grandfather Itu will surely take good care of me. Please don’t worry.”

Xie Zhi smiled faintly and gave Itu a nod of acknowledgment.

Just look at how well-spoken this Omega from the Resource Planet is!

Ito felt his heart take another heavy blow, then was immediately overwhelmed by deep shame for the filthy thoughts he had once entertained.

He cleared his throat lightly and gave a slight nod. “Please rest assured, I will do my utmost to protect. His Highness Yu.” Then, extending an arm toward Yu Ruan, he said, “Please follow me.”

Yu Ruan nodded somewhat sheepishly and followed the other toward Atlan Palace.

Though land on the capital planet was worth its weight in gold, Atlan Palace, the residence of the Gaia royal family, was exceptionally vast.

Trailing behind Ito, Yu Ruan walked until his feet ached, having only covered about one-third of the entire palace.

He had always known the Gaia Empire was wealthy, but he never imagined it would be to this extent!

Gazing at Ito, who was leading the way, Yu Ruan felt a genuine surge of admiration: Managing such a massive place must be exhausting.

Look at him, advanced in years yet still so spirited and vigorous.

In comparison, I’m just a complete slacker.

Noticing the Omega beside him regarding him with newfound respect, Ito couldn’t help but let the corners of his lips twitch upward briefly before quickly suppressing the smile. He coughed and said sternly, “Ahead is where you’ll be staying. Next, I will.” introduce the surrounding facilities.

Before he could finish, Ito spotted a familiar figure suddenly darting out from a corner.

Zep, who had been lying in wait at Atlan Palace for some time, watched excitedly as the distant figure gradually approached, his emotions surging.

He recalled the instructions given to him before departure and the meaningful encouragement, as if a bright future were waving to him from afar.

How could some country bumpkin dare to compete with His Highness Gu Yu?

Zep thought disdainfully: Even if Lord Ito hadn’t specifically instructed him, he would never have taken a liking to some rustic hick! Besides, who in Atlan Palace hadn’t received favors from Duke Gu Yuan?

The Duke and His Highness Gu Yu are uncle and nephew, opposing Gu Yu means opposing the Duke!

Zep couldn’t resist indulging in fantasies about the future.

As the figure drew nearer, he snapped back to reality, steeled his heart, and charged forward according to the prearranged plan.

A dark shadow suddenly shot out from the distance. Yu Ruan blinked, not yet processing what was happening, when another figure darted out from beside him, stepping in front to block the oncoming shadow.

“Thud, clatter, thump!”

The sound of bodies colliding was grating to the ears. Startled, Yu Ruan hurriedly looked at the two now tangled together on the ground. “Are you both alright?!” He rushed down the stairs to help them up.

Meanwhile, Zep, who had tumbled down the steps, was completely dumbfounded.

He stared in disbelief at Ito, who was also bleeding from a head wound, his mind flooded with explosive questions. ???

Lord Ito, didn’t we agree to work together to drive this detestable Omega out of Atlan Palace??

He frantically shot glances at the other, trying to send signals. Yet, the other acted as if the matter had never been discussed, completely ignoring him without any reaction.

Zep: “…” This isn’t what we agreed on!

Yu Ruan hurried down the steps, helping both of them to their feet, and said to Ito with deep remorse, “I’m sorry! I’m truly sorry! If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have.” ended up so badly injured.

Before he could finish speaking, he was abruptly cut off.

The Beta in front of him wiped the blood from his face, his expression pained. “I’m sorry, Your Highness Yu. It’s all my fault that you’ve suffered such severe injuries.”

Yu Ruan: “?”

He stared blankly at the other, feeling as if a giant question mark had slowly materialized above his head. ??

Shouldn’t he be the one apologizing for dragging the other into this? Why did Itu look like he was about to cry???

After some thought, Yu Ruan concluded that the fall must have been excruciatingly painful. That was probably why even someone as stoic and restrained as Itu couldn’t hold back his distress.

The more he thought about it, the more embarrassed he felt.

However, his expression took on a completely different meaning in Itu’s eyes.

Itu gazed heartbrokenly at the once radiant prince, who now seemed utterly defeated, his eyelashes lowered in self-reproach. A wave of guilt surged through Itu’s heart like a raging torrent, overwhelming him completely.

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